Are You an Emotional Eater

Remember the Popsicle that your mom gave you when you hurt yourself? Well the hormones (serotonin) that your body produced as a result of eating the Popsicle actually did make the pain go away.

Or, did you know that craving popcorn or wine (or chocolate or pretzels) provides insight into what emotion you're experiencing?

Experts estimate that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

People find it almost impossible to manage their food cravings even with the threat of potentially life-threatening risks.

Some people overeat because certain foods increase brain levels of serotonin which promotes the 'feel-good' sensations.Unfortunately these 'feel-good' foods are not so good for our waistlines. Could this be you?? Read on to find see what emotions trigger certain food cravings.

Nutrition Tip of the week

Why We Crave Chocolate

Chocolate and other palatable sweet foods trigger the release of endorphins. Endorphin-release reduces your body’s sensitivity to pain. It makes you feel good. Chocolate is also rich in magnesium. I may be a sign that your body is deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Foods that contain good sources of magnesium are:fish, almonds, soybeans, spinach and other green vegetables.

Exercise of the Week

Exercise Description:

Oblique Abductor Raise

Muscles Worked:

Core, Adbuctors/adductors

Instructions:

Start by getting into a lateral plank pose with your hips off the ground.

Your only ground contact points should be your feet and elbow.

Holding this position raise your outside leg keeping it straight until you reach full range of motion.

Return your leg to the starting position and repeat for the desired repetitions.

Switch sides and repeat.

About Cathy Morenzie

Cathy Morenzie is a certified personal fitness trainer, fitness instructor, and Pilates instructor. She specializes in providing creative fitness solutions for people on the go. She has trained thousands of clients and trainers over the last 15 years. For more FREE tips like these, contact us or call 416-410-8517 to schedule your complimentary session. Can't fit personal training sessions into your schedule, no problem - try our online personal training and receive the benefits of one-on-one personal training at a fraction of the cost.

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